Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum

About

The sweet, heady scent of Honeysuckle, carried on a warm summer breeze, is one of the most delightful experiences of the season. Strongest at night in order to attract pollinating moths, this scent is a happy addition to any garden. Honeysuckle is a climbing plant, common in hedgerows, scrub and woodlands where it twines itself around other shrubs and trees. Whorls of trumpet-shaped flowers appear from June to August and clusters of red berries ripen in the autumn.

How to identify

Honeysuckle has climbing, twining stems that are red when young; they climb clockwise around the branches and stems of other plants, sometimes distorting them. Its grey-green, oval leaves appear from February and stay on the plant until autumn, or even over winter. In summer, white or yellow, red-flushed, tubular flowers appear in clusters.

Where to find it

Widespread.

Habitats

When to find it

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

How can people help

Like many of our native plants, Honeysuckle is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for all kinds of insects and provides shelter and nesting spots for birds and small mammals. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting native flower species in your borders and climbers in your hedges and along your fences to provide a 'nectar-cafe'. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.